Christian Pulisic leads AC Milan into Coppa Italia final: USMNT star has chance to salvage season vs. Bologna

It was a disappointing season for Milan, but even though they are their second manager of the campaign in Sergio Concukicao, they will have a few opportunities to secure European football for next season. On Wednesday, Milan will be confronted with Bologna in the Coppa Italia Final Paramount+ In the stadio Olimpico. It was unlikely that Milan would be here to visit Roma and Inter on the way to the final, but a victory would determine their season, in which Christian Pulisic would be an important reason.

By winning the final, Milan would secure a place in the Europa League next season and for the second time in the last four seasons for the second time when both seemed unlikely a few weeks ago. Although the standards are high in Milan, that would be a considerable improvement since the period between their Scudetto triumphs in 2011-2021. During that decade, Milan won the Supercoppa Italia twice, but that was their only silverware in that period. So that is when securing Champions League football in four consecutive seasons and winning the competition something to celebrate, despite the disappointment that happened during the season.

If you look at how Milan ensures that this is as successful as it can be, it will land on Pulisic. The American has been crucial for Milan’s attack, scored 15 goals and assists 10 more in the Serie A, UCL and Coppa Italia. But in 2025 he did not hit the highlights in cup game, so he did not score or helped this year in Milan’s Coppa Italia matches. His 14 target contributions are still the most of a Milan player this year, for Rafael Leao only, and Milan needs both at their best to overcome defensive shortcomings.

The arrival of Mexico striker Santiago Gimenez from Feyenoord also helped to push the attack from Milan to new levels, unlocking the best from Milan’s wings, and he gets the chance to lead the line in this game with everything at stake.

Milan’s top goal contributions in 2025

On the other hand, after a slow start of the season, Bologna has been completed in shape to penetrate a Champions League spot behind strong defensive game, but Milan has lately played their best football of the season. Pulisic has a lot of great playing experience, winning the Champions League with Chelsea and the DFB Pokal with Borussia Dortmund, but now he has the chance to strengthen his Milan foundation with a Coppa Italia victory.

These are important moments prior to a critical summer for Pulisic and the national team of the United States, which have to reverse their own form. It will be easier to push to glory, where the USMNT comes a strong end of the season, and having that trophy to phase out can only increase hunger for glory.

How to view Coppa Italia Final

• Date: Wednesday, May 23 | Time3 pm
• Location: Olympic Stadium – Rome, Italy
• Live stream: Paramount+
• Chances: AC Milan +150; Drawing +225; Bologna +185